St. Luke's University Health Network: Each hospital fully staffed, supplied through Sandy's aftermath

St. Luke’s University Health Network wants to reassure the public that its patients are being well cared for during Hurricane Sandy, the network said in a Tuesday release.

Each hospital is fully staffed and supplied with food, water, linens and medical supplies for all patients and staff, the release states.

St. Luke’s Allentown Campus, Anderson Campus, Miners Campus, Quakertown Campus and Warren Campus operate with power fully intact. St. Luke’s University Hospital- Bethlehem is currently being powered by backup generators.

On Monday afternoon, each of the hospitals instituted an Incident Command situation to handle potential power outages and issues related to the weather.

Prior to the storm, extra food, water and supplies from vendors were delivered, staffing and planning for overnight stays were established and facilities were prepared for all possibilities.

St. Luke’s University Health Network Chief Nursing Officer & COO of St. Luke’s University Hospital – Bethlehem, Carol Kuplen said, “The St. Luke’s administrators and staff throughout the Network are to be commended for the advance planning that goes on behind the scenes so the hospitals are able to continuously serve the community during times of crisis. We are extremely proud the level of care provided to our inpatients has not been affected by the storm and by the subsequent local power outages.”

Warren Campus President Scott R. Wolfe agreed. “I am very grateful to the many nurses and other staff members who volunteered to stay overnight to help provide patient services, as well as the police, fire departments, EMS squads and the utility companies for their support during this community crisis.”

At present, the Warren Campus hospital is experiencing some difficulty with incoming calls to direct extensions. Please direct all calls through the main switchboard number, 908-859-6700.

A number of St. Luke’s outpatient sites in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey remain closed or are operating with reduced hours or services. Members of the community are encouraged to see the website at www.sluhn.org, under “news” and “weather related closures” for complete information or to call specific offices to insure services are available before traveling.

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